The Spy in the Smoke: Saturn/Neptune 2026
I’ve been trying to find a way to describe the "now" that doesn't feel like a conspiracy theory. However, words these days are combustible and any projection you fancy can be projected onto the smoke that’s left. We are prompted to look back at the 20th century as an Earth era—solid, heavy, built on steel and clear borders. But as we move toward 2026, that solidity is being transmuted: Combustion, Sublimation, Illusion.
This week, the Chief of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, gave us the perfect terminology for this shift. She spoke of an "interlocking web of security challenges" and a world operating in the "Grey Zone." In the language of the elements, we are entering the era of Air and Fire. And the result isn't a clean, clear sky—it’s smoke.
The Anatomy of the Haze
Smoke is what happens when Fire hits a substance and turns it into Air. It’s the byproduct of transformation, and it’s the ultimate "Grey Zone" tool.
The Fire: The heat of new tech, the spark of ideological friction, and the drive for dominance.
The Air: The networks, the "lines of code," and the rapid-fire spread of information.
When Metreweli says that for the Kremlin, "the export of chaos is a feature, not a bug," she is describing a smoke screen. It’s an intentional blurring of vision designed to sting the eyes of the adversary while the real action happens behind the haze.
2026: Structured Smoke and Dissolving Rules
We’ve never seen 2026 before, but we can see the "weather" approaching. A major focal point is the meeting of Saturn and Neptune in Aries.
We might expect Saturn (the planet of structure) to simply "clear the air," but Neptune is the master of the intangible. In the sign of Aries (Fire), this combination feels like structured smoke. Rules aren't just being broken; they are dissolving. This creates "structured hallucinations"—deeply convincing fakes and ideologies that have the weight and texture of reality until they vanish.
I am studying with Austin Coppock in his year three cohort right now. It has been special to get his insight about all this in class and in the discussions before and after. He has been watching what he calls “The Flying Wedge.” Basically, it is the formation of the sextiles and trine that will form with Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto once Saturn and Neptune enter Aries. And the duration of this is the era in question here. Also, the Jupiter and Saturn conjunctions are in a cycle of air and fire signs for some time to come too. I will watch closely and be involved in the conversation from my place in the astrological world as things play out.
According to Kelly Surtees, 2026 is set to be a transformative year defined by a "bird’s-eye view" shift where old, rigid structures are washed away to make room for radical innovation. The first half of the year centers on the Saturn-Neptune conjunction, an influence that acts like a high tide dissolving long-standing "sandcastles"—those social systems and personal habits we’ve relied on for decades—leaving us in a period of uncertainty that eventually allows for more compassionate, soulful new beginnings. As the year progresses, a powerful alignment between Uranus and Pluto takes over, sparking a "Brave New World" atmosphere characterized by rapid-fire technological breakthroughs and a rebellious urge to break old patterns. Surtees emphasizes that this isn't just about global change, but a personal invitation to reclaim your autonomy, move past established traditions, and experiment with a more authentic way of living. I enjoyed the donation of her usual optimism, but I also feel she offered a lucid take on the astrological weather. I’ll link her video below.
The Human Anchor
So, how do we participate in making a better "now" when the air is full of smoke?
Metreweli made a point that feels like a vital anchor for 2026. She argued that the defining challenge of our century isn't about who has the most powerful tech, but "who guides them with the greatest wisdom." She called for a rediscovery of "human agency"—the idea that our future isn't written in the code, but in our choices. Agency is a sentient asset which has taken some damage in recent years, and I support a recovery in faith of this essential quality.
If the old rules are turning to smoke, it means there is space for us to participate in making something new. Our goal isn't to predict exactly where the fire is, but to learn how to see through the haze. By prioritizing wisdom over raw power and human connection over algorithmic noise, we can navigate the smoke without losing our way.
We’re all learning as we go here. As you look at the "smoke" in the headlines today, where do you feel the need for "human wisdom" most? Is it in how we handle AI, how we treat our neighbors, or how we define what’s actually true?
Kelly Surtees Video: 2026 Astrology: Saturn conjunct Neptune in Aries, Uranus in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius.
https://youtu.be/dRnII2qjjLc?si=EgHsFUZ4Vz06cPMC
